Neuropsychologists are provided with little formal education and training regarding the identification and measurement of somatoform symptoms, yet these conditions are highly prevalent, with estimates indicating that 20% of general medical patients and 30% of neurologic clinic patients present with symptoms lacking medical explanation.

This book provides neuropsychologists with comprehensive information and specific practice recommendations for the assessment of patients with somatoform conditions. The first four chapters discuss the genesis of somatoform and other functional somatic symptom disorders, and the next seven chapters address somatoform conditions in the context of nonepileptic seizures, multiple chemical sensitivity and other claimed toxic exposures, pseudotremor and other nonphysiologic movement disorders, postconcussion syndrome, chronic pain/fibromyalgia/complex regional pain syndrome, attention deficit disorder, and auto-immune disease. Chapters are also included that address the use of the MMPI-2-RF in differentiating somatoform disorder and malingering, medically unexplained symptoms in non-English-speaking individuals; workplace factors in somatization; and testimony involving somatoform conditions. The book is targeted for practicing neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists including those specializing in behavioral medicine, and students in training.

About the Author

Kyle Brauer Boone, PhD, ABPP, is a Professor within the California School of Forensic Studies, Alliant International University, and a Clinical Professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA. She has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles in the area of neuropsychological assessment, primarily regarding the development and validation of neurocognitive performance validity tests.

Reviews

'Somatization-the expression of psychological problems through physical symptoms and the production of these symptoms in reaction to life stressors-has both captivated and frustrated health care providers for centuries. The unique combination of theory, empirical data, and clinical case studies presented in this volume integrates a complex and fascinating literature, providing a guide for both improved clinical practice and future scientific investigation. The neuropsychological library of the practicing clinician is incomplete without this volume.' - Glenn J. Larrabee, Ph.D., ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology, Independent Practice, Sarasota, Florida

'This cohesive edited collection of chapters by experts in somatoform disorder is an impressive volume about easily misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions. Its practical knowledge regarding etiology, assessment, and differential diagnosis will fill education and training gaps, making it essential reading for trainees and pediatric, adult, and lifespan clinicians and researchers across experience levels.' - Ida Sue Baron, Ph.D., ABPP University of Virginia and The George Washington University

Book Information
ISBN 9781848726376
Author Kyle Brauer Boone
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 616g